Crossag Farm Land Buyback Pledge

The government would buy back the land at Crossag Farm, Ballasalla, if a controversial housing scheme proposed for the site is not built, Local Government and the Environment Minister John Shimmin told the House of Keys last week.

Builder J. G. Kelly and Jackson Homes (Southern) have submitted a petition of doleance to the High Court challenging a decision to refuse planning permission for the £40 million scheme.

Proposals for a 257-home estate were thrown out in January when the Council of Ministers followed the advice of independent inspector John Turner who said the development was premature and over-intensive.

At the time, DLGE Minister John Shimmin said he was devastated by
the decision.

Replying to a question from Graham Cregeen (Malew and Santon) in the Keys this week, Mr Shimmin said the Attorney General's chambers had advised that if the development is not completed, his department would buy back the land at cost plus the cost of any infrastructure works that had been carried out.

Mr Cregeen asked for clarification: 'The land has been transferred to the developer and could be bought back at original cost?

'Was that not a bit premature?'

Mr Shimmin insisted everything was in order.

The minister, replying in the absence of the Chief Minister, said an agreement existed between DLGE, Jackson Holdings Ltd, JG Kelly Ltd and Jackson Homes (Southern) Ltd for the development of housing at Crossag Farm subject to planning approval.

A case management directions hearing into the petition of doleance brought has been adjourned. The hearing, scheduled for last Thursday, has been adjourned for the filing of amended documents and the case management directions hearing.